Gabby Logan shared her emotional reflections on parenthood during her recent podcast, stirring up feelings many parents can relate to. The BBC Sport presenter spoke candidly about grappling with the "empty nest" syndrome as her children, both 19 years old, navigate major life changes.
Her daughter Lois has recently left for university, and her son Reuben, who plays professional rugby for Northampton Saints, is often away from home. These adjustments have left Gabby feeling nostalgic and emotional. During the festive edition of her podcast, Mid Point, which featured family moments, Gabby recounted how she recently shed tears when driving past a local grammar school.
"I was driving up the area we live in and there's a grammar school near us, and they obviously finished with a half day, and the bus unloaded. All these boys with their black puffer jackets got off, about 14, 15, and I found myself filling up a bit," she shared openly.
Her husband, Kenny, noticed her emotional moment and playfully remarked, "That's weird. You were driving along and a whole lot of boys got off a bus and you started crying." While his comment elicited laughter, it also opened up a conversation about the bittersweet nature of watching children grow up.
Kenny went on to express his views on parenting, emphasizing the importance of allowing children to “fly” and leave home with eagerness, rather than feeling like their absence will weigh heavily on their parents. He explained, "Kids should be able to fly, leave the nest with enthusiasm. It shouldn’t feel like their absence is a cause of sadness for us."
Gabby elaborated on her emotional response, explaining it stemmed from fond memories associated with the end of school terms during her children's younger years. "I was remembering you guys being at school, having the end of term feeling and...having you to ourselves for a few weeks and not having the routine of school. When you're a parent and you have kids at school, you are then in a routine you didn’t necessarily choose," she reflected.
She mused about how the structure imposed by school can overshadow the freedoms parents often cherish during school holidays. Christmas, she noted, becomes particularly poignant; she described it as the season when children are exhausted and ripe for family bonding, allowing parents to smother them with love.
Gabby’s candid recollection of family life struck a chord with listeners and sparked similar reflections among her family members. Kenny admitted he also misses the days when their children were younger, lamenting how family interactions have changed. Instead of days filled with youthful energy, he now resorts to sharing “funky pictures” over the family WhatsApp group.
Lois, who stayed home during her gap year, expressed her concerns for her father, noticing his emotional reactions as her brother Reuben started his own independent life. “I was worried about you dad; a little bit. You were emotional when Reuben went off and he was coming home every weekend,” she admitted, adding how spending time together during her gap year meant more than she realized. “A lot of our year was doing stuff, but it was comforting to know you guys were still married,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of familial bonds during transitional phases.
This heartfelt exchange—filled with humor, nostalgia, and genuine emotion—has endeared Gabby Logan’s podcast to audiences craving authentic portrayals of modern family life. Her reflections resonate with anyone who has watched their children step bravely out of the protective bubble of home.
Through this emotional lens, Gabby Logan not only captures the essence of parenting but also the sadness, joy, and inevitable changes of watching children grow up, tapping directly to the hearts of many who find themselves walking the same path.
